For Im YoonA, 2025 has been a year defined by momentum, versatility, and undeniable presence. From leading a record-setting drama to winning major awards and meeting fans around the world, YoonA has firmly established this year as one of the most significant chapters of her career.
A Drama That Defined the Year
YoonA returned to television following the success of King the Land, taking on the role of Yeon Ji-young in tvN’s The Tyrant’s Chef. Her portrayal of a composed yet resilient chef earned praise for its emotional depth and attention to detail, particularly in how she embodied both the profession and the character’s personal growth.
The series closed with the highest ratings among all 2025 mini-series, reaching peaks of over 20 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea. Its success extended beyond Korea, as the drama topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows for two consecutive weeks.
Expanding Her Filmography on the Big Screen
YoonA also made a strong impression in the film The Devil Has Moved In, where she portrayed Jeong Seon-ji, a bakery owner who transforms into a demon at dawn. The dual role allowed her to explore sharp contrasts between innocence and darkness, earning praise for the nuanced way she balanced opposing emotional tones within a single character.
Awards That Reflect a Landmark Year
Her performances throughout the year translated into widespread recognition. YoonA took home the Grand Prize for Best Actress in the TV category at the 10th Asia Artist Awards 2025, along with multiple additional honors including Best Artist and Asia Star awards. She also received Best Actress awards at the Chunsa International Film Festival and popularity honors at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Further accolades followed from consumer and global fan-voted ceremonies, reinforcing her status as both a critical and public favorite across drama and film.
Connecting With Fans Worldwide
Beginning in September, YoonA embarked on a global drama fan meeting tour titled Bon Appetit, Your Majesty YOONA DRAMA FANMEETING. The tour took her to cities including Yokohama, Macau, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Seoul, where she shared behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on her acting journey with fans.
Music, Hosting, and Beyond
In addition to acting, YoonA released the single Wish to Wish, a song she co-wrote as a message of gratitude and long-lasting connection with fans. Her schedule also included hosting duties at the Blue Dragon Series Awards, narration work for a KBS documentary, variety show appearances, pictorial shoots, and endorsement campaigns.
Editor’s Insight — Why 2025 Marks a Defining Phase in Yoona’s Career Evolution
Yoona’s 2025 stands out not just for its achievements, but for how it repositions her within the industry. Rather than being defined by a single hit project, her success this year reflects a multi-platform dominance spanning drama, film, music, and global fan engagement. What’s particularly significant is the balance between commercial success and critical recognition, a combination that signals a transition from idol-turned-actress to a fully established, top-tier performer. Her ability to lead a high-rating drama while simultaneously taking on a dual-role film performance shows a deliberate expansion of range, not just visibility. In today’s entertainment landscape, where longevity depends on adaptability, Yoona’s 2025 suggests a shift toward career consolidation a phase where past popularity is transformed into sustained authority and influence across multiple sectors.